Bruce Arians, Katie Sowers striving for more change, progress on women in NFL

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PHOENIX -- Coaches Katie Sowers and Bruce Arians are pleased with the progress of diversity in NFL hiring, but both know there’s still a long way to go. 

Arians has been setting the bar as a coach who hires the best person for the job, regardless of their gender, race or background. He hired Jen Welter in Arizona as the first female coach in the NFL during the Cardinals' 2015 training camp.

Now in Tampa, Arians again broke ground by boasting the first NFL team with two full-time coaching positions held by women. Lori Locust will be the Buccaneers' assistant defensive line coach, and Maral Javadifar their assistant coach of strength and conditioning.

“I’m asked, ‘Can women coach?’ ” Arians said. “Hell yeah. I’ve done seen it. It’s just about getting opportunities. It’s hard for young guys, too. It’s a unique position in the NFL. You have to have ownership and a general manager willing to let them come in. 

“Now if they can’t do it, they get fired.’’

For all of the steps forward, Arians believes there are many more to go. 

“It’s time,” Arians said. “I’ll be happy when it’s not news anymore. That’s where it should be heading. Two super-qualified people. I had Dr. Welter here [in Arizona], and it worked out fine.” 
 
Sowers, who was the first female to hold a full-time coaching position in the NFL, knew prior to the announcement that Arians had planned to hire Locust and Javadifar, so she was more excited than surprised. 

“I think this is going to be awesome for everybody who gets a chance to be a part of it,” the 49ers offensive assistant said.

Sowers previously questioned why other women weren’t getting the same chance she did in the NFL.

“I had felt in the past like we had so many good things going,” Sowers said. “Everyone that had interns, head coaches, would say good things. But it just seemed like I would look around and wonder why I was the only one still there when other women seemed to be getting opportunities.”

Sowers also believes candidates have a better chance if they are given more time than a few weeks to prove themselves.

"A lot of it comes with opportunity, not just one week or two weeks,” Sowers said. “Giving someone a chance to get into the environment, into the culture. Women have never been a part of that. It’s really hard to do that in two weeks.” 

Arians believes it should be a non-issue for players to have a female coach. It’s more about the ability to teach.

“Every NFL player is going to look at you and say, “How can you make me better?’ ” Arians said. “If you have an answer, you’re in. If you can’t answer the question, you don’t belong there anyway. They can answer the question.’

“I think back to the best teachers I ever had, most of them are female. In football, we’re glorified school teachers. You can know all the football in the world if you can’t teach it. … Why not take a great teacher of any gender and let them help your players? I don’t see it as an issue and I’m looking forward to the day it’s not news.’’

[RELATED: Sowers sees progression in sports]

How long before that day arrives?

“Probably five years,” Arians said. “I hope. Or sooner, I think the AAF is doing a great job as a proving ground for younger coaches, especially female coaches."

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